Fantasy Football Sleeper Mike Bell

June 29, 2010 by Kurt Turner

You Can Ring My Bell!

How much you believe in Mike Bell's value may be tied to how you feel about LeSean McCoy. Is McCoy the second coming of Brian Westbrook in his prime, or is he more potential than production? In 2010 the answer will likely be somewhere in between.

LeSean McCoy is currently being drafted as the 17th RB taken in most drafts which may be reasonable depending on your faith in the kid. I currently have him ranked 20th. One of the reasons I rank him a bit lower than others is my belief that Mike Bell will play a decent size role in the Philadelphia Eagles running attack.

That is one of several reasons why I think Bell will be a legitimate 2010 fantasy football sleeper candidate and a genuine value pick in your draft.

Bell's being drafted on average right after New Orleans Saints kicker, Garrett Hartley and one pick before another of my draft day sleeper steals, Jabar Gaffney.

Some interesting stats: In 2009, Bell played alongside Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bushand ended the season as the leagues 41st best fantasy running back. Reggie Bush ended 36th and LeSean McCoy 37th. Bell had as many rushing TDs as Bush with 5, which is one more than McCoy's TD total for rushing and receiving. Bell also had more rushing yardage than both.

In 2009, the combination of Brian Westbrook and Leonard Weaver paled next to McCoy's numbers and still McCoy failed to impress as the team's go-to-guy. I think 2010 will still be a learning curve for the young kid, and Bell may well lead the way, perhaps even out rushing, and certainly outscoring him.

Regardless of how much they use McCoy, Bell is the redzone threat and goal line back.

Summary: I think that Mike Bell may not only be a steal, but could be a legitimate fantasy contributor in 2010 as a high-end RB3 or Flex, or even a low end RB2. His partner, LeSean McCoystands a greater chance of being a bust than Bell has of NOT producing.

About Kurt Turner

Kurt's fantasy advice is featured on USA Today Sports, Bleacher Reports, SiriusXM and Fox Sports. He is the owner of FantasyKnuckleheads.com and has been butchering topics here for over 15 years. Follow him on Twitter